I'm considering trading my 08 base model NHB Fit in for a 09 Sport. I only have about 4500 miles on the engine so far, and no major damage to the outside. One door ding and one scratch. I watch it/vacuum/wipe the dash once a week like clock work and hand wash it once a month or so. I figure I can sell it privately for 14xxx or so our trade in for 13xxx (according to KBB.com, those are 07 numbers). Any thoughts on this? Or should I just save the extra cash I would have to fork out on top of my trade and put it into my 08 base. I really want new wheels, rear spoiler (lip/skirts not so much), aftermarket grill, and tinted windows on my Fit.

Any thoughts/opinions?

 

Well, first off, do you like the new look of the Fit? Most people on this website don't really. Second, what is your reasoning? Do you need the extra space, more power, etc. Third, expect the new fit to have some bugs for it being a completely new redesign. Finally, do you really wanna trade in your pretty new fit, spend more money on the brand new fit, rather than put mods in your current one and make it your own?

 

id trade it in if you can get a deecnt deal on it.

 

If you get 13K trade-in value do it. assuming of course you like the 09 Fit. It will likely cost you $4 grand difference plus tax, tags, and license update. Right now dealers have a great market for used Fits which also means you have a good chance of selling yourself. I thought those wholesale values of 13K were for Sport, base about 1K less. Plus of course reduction for mileage over 12,000. 4500 miles on engine? does that mean the car has more miles? deduct based on car odo and then another $500 if its not original engine if dealer knows.

 

The engine has 4500 miles on it.

I know it's gonna be about 4-5k more if I trade up. My reasoning is after I do things like aftermarket wheels (steelies are ugly), spoiler, no cruise, no foglights (since the stock base bumper requires you to cut holes for them) I figured I would end up spending a beefy couple of grand doing things I could have ended up with had I just bought a sport from the beginning. When I bought my base, I just couldn't afford anymore on my loan payment to go up to a sport. Now I have a job making 6 dollars an hour more ($9 per hour to $15 per hour) and can afford to either do stuff to it myself or just get a new one. Anyway, I would agree that the new bumper on the 09 is crappy looking, but the other goodies sound nice. Especially if it comes with the moonroof.

 

You may have your reasons... but if a sunroof is your motovation... the 4K difference can buy alot of mods... I think a pimped base is sweet!
(I say "DON'T DO IT!")
or Just say "NO" to trading in!!!

~Rob

 

After looking at the 09 again, maybe I'll just dump the money slowly into my base. I would prob still change the wheels, the spoiler (Mugen spoiler FTW). I'm torn on the interior. But I'm still kicking myself for no cruise, paddle shifters or remote entry. But I guess 1 of those 3 things can be added after market.

 

By the time the USDM Fit comes out it will be a second year model since the 08 JDM model is already the new design. However, I guess it's a possibility there could be a few bugs in the different USDM dash and bodywork..

 

13k for a used 2007 base? Doubtful. They only start $900 more than that brand new.

 

13K for a base car with a different engine?
I don't know about that.

 

Mine is 2008 with original engine, 4500 miles on it. Not 07. It hasn't even come up on it's first oil change yet. Those numbers I quoted are from Kelly Blue Book's website, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

I've decided I'll just mod my current Fit. It's been kind to me so far, so I'll treat it nice, keeping taking care of it and make it look nice. Also can use some of that extra cash to get my 96 Geo Prizm running again so maybe the Fit can take a break from the hour long commute.

 

if the base is AT, trade it in and get an 08 MT sport
haha thats the best idea

 

off topic, but did you get a cosigner for your loan? If you did not, I would love to know who got the loan with.

 

wow, 15 dollars an hour?
nice!

 

I added fogs and keyless entry both were very straightforward. Cutting the bumper for the fogs was easy to do (although a little daunting psychologically) so I wouldn't hesitate on that one. Just make sure you have enough time and the right tools so you aren't rushed and trying to kludge the job. The lights and wiring for the US fit are a little pricey but Bernardi has a good price for them now. You might try the eBay ones for $70 - they appear to be JDM but I haven't seen any postings on this forum regarding the quality or ease of installation and I haven't worked with them, only seen the pics. There's a great write-up here - https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-...-base-fit.html

The electrical work for keyless entry was slightly more difficult only because one of the connectors is located above and slightly behind the fuze panel and is a hassle to reach.

Aftermarket cruise controls shouldn't be too hard if you don't mind the controls not integrated with the rest of the dash. I did it once on a Fiero and it worked fine although it was never quite as good as the one's that come from the factory. That was a while ago so today's units may be better and easier to install on FBW systems.

I haven't heard of anyone having success with backfit of paddles though.

 

I bought my 2006 Civic when I was 19 making $9.50 an hour through American Honda Financial. It's not that impossible.

 

Agreed. The Saleman will be grinning ear to ear when you come in! You have already bought the car. He just has to do the paperwork. Your lucky to get 11000 or probably less in your trade.

 

the way i see it - there will be lots of 'new' fits running around. ours will be the "limited" edition and hence the most unique (in the USA of course)and eventually most sought-after. hang on to it!

 

I got the loan from my credit union, with no hassle at all. Took maybe 2 days to approve the loan (turned it in on a Thursday, heard back Monday, bought my Fit the same day). The finance guy at the dealer told me I could have just come to them with no money down. I had no cosigner. Never have on any of my cars.

And thanks for the info on the aftermarket keyless, fogs and cruise. Afterworking at a car rental company for 4 years, I know a couple of folks I can call for my body work, so if I want the holes cut by a pro and not my dumbass I can get a deal from them. That's where I plan on taking the wing to have it painted.